EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED / RELEASED / PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015

Shri Ravinder Kumar, Leading Hand Fireman (LHF), was on the posted strength of 3 Base Repair Depot Chandigarh since 1999.

On 08 Jun 2014, at 1950 hrs, an emergency fire call was received from Civil Fire Station in Sector -17 Chandigarh. Shri Ravinder Kumar, who was at home, being on off-duty, was recalled to join the fire fighting team at National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Sector 17, Chandigarh.

The task was daunting as the three storey building of NIELIT was completely engulfed in fire making it increasingly difficult for the firemen to douse the raging flames. Valuable research records and costly equipment was at stake. Until this stage, all the efforts were from outside the building and there was a general reluctance to enter the building to extinguish the fire at the core. Assessing the situation correctly and on his own initiative, Shri Ravinder Kumar in the true spirit of a fire-fighter, climbed on the first floor without caring for his personal safety to fight the fire from the inside. Encouraged by his courageous initiative, other fire fighters started following him to address the fire at the core. While his fire fighting efforts were paying dividends, under unfortunate circumstances a part of the building collapsed, trapping the Fireman under the debris.

Shri Ravinder Kumar LH Fireman displayed courage of the highest order in his attempt to contain the fire and made the supreme sacrifice in the process. This courageous act of the young Fireman epitomises the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force – ‘Service before Self’. He has displayed most conspicuous valour, courage and exemplary leadership and devotion to duty that will serve as an inspiration for generations.

For this act of gallantry, Shri Ravinder Kumar has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED / RELEASED / PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015

Corporal Momocha Ningthoujam Indian Air Force (Security) is posted as a Special Forces operative and responsible for operations and training in an Air Force Garud Commando unit. He was one of the operatives inducted to undertake rescue operations in the flood affected areas of J&K.

On 08 Sep 14, while undertaking Rescue and Evacuation operation in Srinagar, Corporal Momocha was winched down on a conical roof top of a house. From this precocious position he started evacuating civilians. When he had hardly evacuated three to four people he noticed that the adjacent three storied building was collapsing and there were some civilians stranded in it and were desperately asking for help. He sought permission to go to the house for rescuing them which was initially denied considering the direct threat to his life. However, after hearing the persisted pleas of Cpl Momocha, the Captain of the helicopter granted permission for him to move in. The brave air warrior was immediately winched down, went inside the semi-submerged house and rescued all four trapped civilians to the roof top. In this he carried one paralyzed old lady and two very small kids on his shoulder to reach the winching spot. While winching up was in progress, the house started collapsing under the force of swirling water. Disregarding the threat to his life, he managed to evacuate all of them from the precarious and dangerous situation. Corporal Momocha displayed courage of the highest order while rendering selfless service to the nation.

For act of exceptional courage and professionalism, Corporal Momocha Ningthoujam has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

On 08 March 2014, as a part of Exercise Shock Effect, he executed combat free fall jump along with Army jumpers from a height of 12500 feet above mean sea level over Pithoragarh region.

During free fall, he noticed that one Army combat free faller (Paratrooper Rajendra Singh of 6 PARA) was struggling with his parachute opening. The trooper carried out emergency drill and operated his reserve parachute, which had jumbled lines resulting in uncontrolled vigorous spirals. Rajendra landed on a rocky slope and hit his head on the hard ground. Seeing all this Sergeant Jakhar gallantly took upon himself the risk to land next to the trooper, far away from the designated Drop Zone Area on the restricted rocky slope (of 70 degree) with complete disregard to personal safety. Noticing no sign of breathing from the injured jumper, Jakhar immediately performed CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) and revived him. He then mustered help from the nearby ITBP battalion and evacuated the unconscious jumper to Pithoragarh Military Hospital, where he was put on life support system. The timely aid and quick evacuation ensured his survival and recovery from comma the next day.

Sgt Jakhar displayed exceptional courage and camaraderie in saving the life of his fellow paratrooper in the face of imminent danger to his own life. In the process of landing on a 70 degree incline rocky slope, he has not only displayed courage of high order but also professionalism of the highest order.

For this act of exceptional courage, camaraderie and professionalism, sergeant Ravinder Kumar Jakhar has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).